Smithsonian Reaches Goal To Save Dorothy's Ruby Slippers

WASHINGTON (WJZ/AP) - Smithsonian officials are "over the rainbow" after reaching their fundraising goal to help preserve the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 "The Wizard Oz" film.

The Smithsonian launched a Kickstarter campaign last week to raise $300,000 to preserve the slippers that whisked Dorothy back to Kansas. The goal was reached in less than a week.

The ruby red slippers have been slowly degrading and losing their luster. The donations will pay for conservation work and a climate-controlled case.

Officials say they reached their goal late Sunday night thanks to more than 5,300 supporters in 41 countries.

The Smithsonian has now also announced they're working on a stretch goal of $85,000 to help conserve and display the scarecrow costume worn by Ray Bolger in the film. If they succeed, the scarecrow costume and ruby slippers will both be on display in a culture exhibition, tentatively titled "On with the Show," to open in 2018.

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